Seasons

Medvendeno, who was born in Ukraine, became a fan favorite during the 2003-04 season, when he started several games in place of injured Karl Malone and averaged 8.3 points and five rebounds per game. Expected to play a major role in the 2004-05 season, a herniated disc in his back sideline him for the entire preseason, and he was passed on the depth chart by other players and found himself used little by Rudy Tomjanovich, the new Lakers coach.

Medvedenko sat out nearly the entire 2005-06 season because of another herniated disc, and he was waived by the Lakers after the season.